Cricket fans in Karachi expressed disappointment over the Pakistan team’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, particularly following unsatisfactory results against New Zealand and India. Voices of discontent highlighted issues such as poor team composition and player pressure, leading to calls for a thorough overhaul of the cricket system. Despite their dissatisfaction, some fans shifted their support to other teams, notably South Africa.
In Karachi, the atmosphere was vibrant with cricket fans, yet disillusionment lingered due to the Pakistan team’s underperformance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. During a match between England and South Africa, 13-year-old Krishna expressed his admiration for Indian batsman M.S. Dhoni while his uncle Kamal praised Virat Kohli. Despite the festive mood, many fans were visibly upset over Pakistan’s heavy defeats to New Zealand and India, highlighting a sense of discontent towards the team’s prospects.
Teenager Ibrahim, commenting on the regrettable cancellation of the match against Bangladesh, mentioned that it might have resulted in yet another loss for Pakistan. He and other fans pointed out that poor team selections, particularly the lack of spinners, had hindered the team’s performance in the tournament. Nadeem-ul-Haq, an upset spectator, emphasized the necessity for the inclusion of more specialist spinners in the lineup to compete effectively.
The fans noted that pressure was impacting the performance of top-order batsmen, particularly Babar Azam, who they felt should not be opening innings. Young player Mohammad Nasar stated that the team’s mindset appeared overly defensive, suggesting a need for improved fitness and match awareness among the players. Others, like Mohammad Amir, echoed these sentiments regarding the team’s composition.
Despite the prevailing dissatisfaction with the Pakistan cricket team’s trajectory, some young fans still hoped for success in the tournament, particularly supporting teams like South Africa. Abdul Rafay indicated a shift towards supporting South Africa following Pakistan’s exit, as they seek their first major global title. Fans expressed the need for a restructuring in Pakistan cricket to revitalize the team’s performance.
The mood among Pakistani cricket fans during the ICC Champions Trophy is one of disappointment, arising from recent poor performances. Many fans have called for significant changes within the cricketing setup, including team selection and player mindset, to enhance future prospects. While some fans shift their support to other teams, the desire remains for a revival of Pakistan cricket.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
